OC Vacations on Record Pace for 2023

Going by our hotel booking numbers we see visitor traffic exploding this year at the beach.

While OceanCityBoardwalkHotels.com is only a small, locally developed, website, certainly not one of the behemoths of the online hotel reservations world, our numbers do count for seeing trends as they develop. Our affiliation with Booking.com gives our readers immediate access to the largest and, in our opinion the best, worldwide online booking service. Our sales/booking/commission reports from them have surprised us greatly so far this year. (Yes, we do earn a small commission if you book through this site but it does not affect the price you pay.)

Crystal Beach Hotel Ocean City MD
Crystal Beach Hotel Ocean City, Maryland

This is written on the last day of March (only three months into 2023) and we are truly surprised at the huge uptick in hotel reservations we have seen so early in the year. Below is a summary version of what has been happening with the numbers of reservations we’ve experienced…

Crazy increases, right?

  1. So far, only three months into 2023, our bookings have just surpassed the TOTAL bookings for both 2020 and 2021 combined.
  2. Our bookings thus far into 2023 have already reached 71% of the total for 2022.
  3. —UPDATE for Mid-May— Bookings have surpassed the total for last year (2022), which is rather remarkable considering we are not really into “the season” for hotel reservations.
  4. UPDATE for July— Today, July 16, there was a booking made that brought the 2023 number of bookings to EQUAL the total bookings for the last three years (2020, 2021 and 2023 combined).

Why might this be happening?

  1. No more COVID fears?
  2. People are booking early (earlier) to assure they get into places they like before they sell out (no availability)?
  3. We all know that rates have been increasing like crazy. Booking early may lock in a lower rate.

Whatever the reason, we are very happy to see the trending increase in OC vacations and reservations. We expect that Ocean City hoteliers, restauranteurs, retailers and entertainment venues are also quite happy to see this trend.

Grand Hotel Ocean City MD
Grand Hotel Ocean City Oceanfront

Be sure to visit the Ocean City Boardwalk Hotels page that lists most of the sought after hotels on The Boards. Also, check out the Hotel Deals page to save a few dollars if the timing is right and visit the Hotels Map page to locate the place(s) where you may want to stay.


Vacationing in Ocean City, Maryland

With miles of sandy beaches, incredible surf and boardwalk, it’s no wonder OCMD is one of the most popular* vacation spots in the country.

Ocean City, Maryland is the perfect vacation destination for those looking to combine a beach getaway with the amenities of a small city. Whether you’re looking to relax on the sand and surf, explore the iconic boardwalk, or enjoy all that the town has to offer, Ocean City is sure to have something for everyone. There are plenty of hotels located in the heart of Ocean City, right on the famous boardwalk, giving travelers easy access to all the attractions and activities that make this city such a popular choice for a getaway.

Another view shows you another place to have some family fun, at the Fun City arcade.

Once you’ve spent time in the sun on the beach, or splashing in the waves, escape the heat in one of the city’s indoor attractions. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is a fun place for the whole family, with oddities and curiosities on display. Kids will love the Fun City Arcade, where they can enjoy games and prizes. There is even an indoor carousel and other rides along the boardwalk and only a short distance away there is even indoor miniature golf.

If you’re looking for a new place to dine, Maryland’s Ocean City is the place to be. Ocean City boasts a selection of restaurants for every taste and budget, from casual dining spots like to fine dining. Every boardwalk hotel will have a display rack of local brochures and even discount booklets with coupons, specials and more.

Turn south for a better look at the Shoreham Hotel and Shenanigan’s Irish Pub – this pub has great food and fun weekend entertainment throughout the summer.

Note: *Being such a popular vacation destination we see that the best hotels book up early. So, if you are planning a trip to the beach during the summer it would be a good idea to start your search for ocean city boardwalk hotel reservations as early as possible.

sandcastle on the beach in Ocean City
Sandcastles and fun on the beach in Ocean City. Maryland.

Boardwalk Hotels Map

Find the perfect location for your next stay with this Ocean City Area Hotels Map.

While centered on boardwalk hotels, this map actually shows locations and “current” pricing for most OC hotels. To find more info about a hotel and rates for a future visit click the picture that pops up to be taken to the Booking.com website.

Booking.com

The above hotels map is centered about midway along the Ocean City Boardwalk. That location is the central point, the focal point you might say, of where you may choose to stay. The hotels along the Boardwalk are more pricey than those further away. However, chances are, the convenience of being able to walk to (just about) everything can make up the difference.


Ocean City Boardwalk Hotel Map

Looking to book a stay at one of the many hotels in Ocean City, Maryland? Well you’ve come to the right place. You can use the above map to find a hotel room in Ocean City, complete with information about that hotel and its current pricing. Just click on the hotel of your choice for more details. Enjoy your stay!

Boardwalk Hotels Map
This image shows what you can see when you “mouse over” any of the symbols in the interactive map at the top of the page. The Popup shows a photo of the property and a “star” rating and indicates the number of reviews available. If you click the image you will be taken to the Booking.com page of information for that particular hotel or vacation rental property.